"Bless You"

[J4CKO]

Guy at work does the most massive, theatrical sneezes several times a day, he seems to expect someone to say "Bless You", I dont as I am not religious and am not ordained anyway.

What is the point of it, doesn't it come from Plague days ? I was told its just courtesy to say it, why, you sneeze, big deal, why do I need to acknowledge it other than my rising lack of tolerance to the bloody racket of it, and subsequent noisy snorting into a hanky, a proper, old school hanky that gets washed, whats that about, why not just use a piece of bog roll or tissues ?

There is another one in here that goes "ATTTTCHOO" as he sneezes as well, similar volume but with additional vocalisation, its like a Fast Show Sketch sometimes.

Why dont we bless coughs, farts or burps, why is it just just sneezes ? will he expire from hayfever if we dont bless him ? how long do our blessings protect, surely blessings would be better for cancer or heart problems ?

Is it just utter bks ?

[Sten.]

J4CKO said:

Is it just utter bks ?

Absolutely. I've got no idea why we need to acknowledge someone sneezing. It's strange that other people don't find it strange.

[londonbabe]

I believe that it dates from the time of the Black Death, where sneezing might be the first outward sign, and blessing someone was probably as advanced as medical knowledge had got.

Of course that might be utter nonsense.

[NiceCupOfTea]

I think "bless you" comes from a sneeze supposedly being the devil trying to get in your body or something! You're not supposed to say "thanks" either because the devil can get back in!

[Funk]

I normally reply with 'Shhhhh.'

[Mr E]

I once sneezed in an airport and a voice behind responded with a bless you.

It was a nun. So at least it was someone with some authority in the matter.

[TwigtheWonderkid]

J4CKO said:

Guy at work does the most massive, theatrical sneezes several times a day, he seems to expect someone to say "Bless You", I dont as I am not religious and am not ordained anyway.

Wow, I never know being religious and ordained were a requirement of saying "bless you" when someone sneezes.

[amancalledrob]

NiceCupOfTea said:

I think "bless you" comes from a sneeze supposedly being the devil trying to get in your body or something! You're not supposed to say "thanks" either because the devil can get back in!

I'm doomed then. Could someone bless me please? Or can I bless myself?

[SlackBladder]

My 3 year old daughter tells me to "shut it" when I sneeze.

[can't remember]

Whenever I get 'blessed' I find a quick "Allahu akbar" soon puts a stop to any further God based nonsense.

[alorotom]

I do say it, not sure why though ... politeness I think

[K50 DEL]

Always say it, I consider it polite and was brought up to believe that politeness costs nothing.
In fact, having watched "The taking of Pelham 123" a few too many times I often end up saying Gesundheit

[J4CKO]

TwigtheWonderkid said:

J4CKO said:

Guy at work does the most massive, theatrical sneezes several times a day, he seems to expect someone to say "Bless You", I dont as I am not religious and am not ordained anyway.

Wow, I never know being religious and ordained were a requirement of saying "bless you" when someone sneezes.

It isn't, but shows what bks it is, I am not qualified to bless !

It is utterly pointless, its just I feel like they dont like it when they don't get blessed, its like saying "Oh you sneezed, poor you, I must acknowledge it as an act of solidarity".

[McVities]

A sneeze in medieval times was believed to be the soul leaving the body (or so legend has it........).
The bless you would enable it's safe return.

Not really into the whole sky fairies thing myself...............

[Melman Giraffe]

NiceCupOfTea said:

I think "bless you" comes from a sneeze supposedly being the devil trying to get in your body or something! You're not supposed to say "thanks" either because the devil can get back in!

Its to do with the plagu - One of the symptoms of the plague was coughing and sneezing, and it is believed that Pope Gregory I (Gregory the Great) suggested saying “God bless you” after a person sneezed in hopes that this prayer would protect them from an otherwise certain death

[Meridius]

My sister does these daft deliberate howls when she sneezes, AAAHHCHYYOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWW, then usually makes some kind of comment about it afterwards.

Only does it when people are around though

[williamp]

It is exactly to do with the black death: ring a ring of roses, etc.

I have always saks it, and ss yet have NEVER seen anyone catch the plague. A good insurance, I'm sure you'll agree

[Rawwr]

Chap in our office once did a violently hilariously over-acted theatrical sneeze and shat himself.

[Some Gump]

It's not an outward sign of religion, it's polite.

If you want to be less polite, say it in German.

Then pop your head round the door frame and raise 1 eyebrow.

[K50 DEL]

Some Gump said:

It's not an outward sign of religion, it's polite.

If you want to be less polite, say it in German.

Then pop your head round the door frame and raise 1 eyebrow.

See my post from earlier lol - great movie!